U.S. patent number 8,756,879 [Application Number 13/881,999] was granted by the patent office on 2014-06-24 for spacer profile and insulating pane unit having such a spacer profile.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Technoform Glass Insulation Holding GmbH. The grantee listed for this patent is Peter Cempulik, Joerg Lenz, Petra Sommer. Invention is credited to Peter Cempulik, Joerg Lenz, Petra Sommer.
United States Patent |
8,756,879 |
Cempulik , et al. |
June 24, 2014 |
Spacer profile and insulating pane unit having such a spacer
profile
Abstract
A spacer profile for a spacer frame of an insulating pane unit
includes a hollow profile body made of plastic with a chamber
defined therein. The hollow profile body extends in a longitudinal
direction and includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a first side
wall and a second side wall, which are connected to the inner and
outer walls to form the chamber. First and second reinforcing
layers made of a metallic material respectively extend on the first
and second side walls and partially on the outer wall so as to be
spaced apart by a first distance. A diffusion barrier layer is
formed directly on the outer wall between the first and second
reinforcing layers and is connected thereto in a diffusion-proof
manner in order to form a heat-insulating diffusion barrier. An
insulating pane unit includes at least two panes with such a spacer
frame disposed therebetween.
Inventors: |
Cempulik; Peter (Kassel,
DE), Lenz; Joerg (Kassel, DE), Sommer;
Petra (Kassel, DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cempulik; Peter
Lenz; Joerg
Sommer; Petra |
Kassel
Kassel
Kassel |
N/A
N/A
N/A |
DE
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Technoform Glass Insulation Holding
GmbH (Kassel, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
44883187 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/881,999 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2011 |
PCT
Filed: |
October 26, 2011 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/EP2011/005405 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
April 26, 2013 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2012/055553 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
May 03, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130212957 A1 |
Aug 22, 2013 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Oct 27, 2010 [DE] |
|
|
10 2010 049 806 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/172;
52/204.595 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B
7/12 (20130101); E06B 3/66304 (20130101); E06B
3/66319 (20130101); E06B 3/66309 (20130101); E06B
3/663 (20130101); E04C 1/42 (20130101); E06B
2003/6638 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E06B
7/12 (20060101); E06B 7/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;52/786.1,786.13,656.1,656.2,656.5,786.11,788.1,795.1,800.1,204.593
;403/331,253 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2269715 |
|
May 1998 |
|
CA |
|
26 14 236 |
|
Oct 1977 |
|
DE |
|
43 41 905 |
|
Jun 1994 |
|
DE |
|
94 08 764 |
|
Nov 1995 |
|
DE |
|
195 30 838 |
|
Feb 1997 |
|
DE |
|
196 44 346 |
|
Apr 1998 |
|
DE |
|
198 05 265 |
|
Apr 1999 |
|
DE |
|
198 05 348 |
|
Aug 1999 |
|
DE |
|
198 07 454 |
|
Aug 1999 |
|
DE |
|
198 32 731 |
|
Jun 2000 |
|
DE |
|
20 2005 016 444 |
|
Mar 2006 |
|
DE |
|
20 2005 019 973 |
|
Apr 2006 |
|
DE |
|
10 2004 062 060 |
|
May 2006 |
|
DE |
|
0 029 984 |
|
Jun 1981 |
|
EP |
|
601 488 |
|
Jun 1994 |
|
EP |
|
1 017 923 |
|
Aug 2001 |
|
EP |
|
0 953 715 |
|
Apr 2004 |
|
EP |
|
1 099 038 |
|
Apr 2004 |
|
EP |
|
1 475 287 |
|
Mar 1967 |
|
FR |
|
1 520 257 |
|
Aug 1978 |
|
GB |
|
00/05474 |
|
Feb 2000 |
|
WO |
|
03024715 |
|
Mar 2003 |
|
WO |
|
2006/027146 |
|
Mar 2006 |
|
WO |
|
2006025953 |
|
Mar 2006 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
English translation of Written Opinion for parent International
application No. PCT/EP2011/005405. cited by applicant .
English translation of International Search Report for parent
International application No. PCT/EP2011/005405. cited by applicant
.
Examination Report dated Oct. 27, 2010 from the German Patent &
Trademark Office in priority German patent application No. 10 2010
049 806.8, including English translation of substantive portion
thereof. cited by applicant .
Office Action mailed Jun. 26, 2013 in related U.S. Appl. No.
13/575,384. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Wendell; Mark
Assistant Examiner: Minter; Keith
Attorney, Agent or Firm: J-Tek Law PLLC Tekanic; Jeffrey D.
Wakeman; Scott T.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A spacer profile configured to be used in a spacer frame of an
insulating pane unit for door or window or facade elements, the
insulating pane unit comprising at least first and second panes
having an intervening space defined therebetween, the spacer
profile comprising: a hollow profile body made of a synthetic
material and having a chamber configured to accommodate hygroscopic
material defined therein, the hollow profile body extending in a
longitudinal direction (Z) and comprising: an inner wall configured
to face towards the intervening space between the panes in an
assembled state of the insulating pane unit and to border the
chamber, an outer wall disposed opposite to the inner wall in a
height direction (Y), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction (Z), a first side wall, and a second side wall disposed
opposite to the first side wall in a transverse direction (X),
which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z) and to the
height direction (Y), the first and second side walls respectively
being connected with the inner wall and the outer wall to form the
chamber; a first reinforcement layer made of a first metallic
material having a first specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.1),
the first reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal
direction (Z) in one piece at least in part on the first side wall,
having a constant cross section perpendicular to and in the
longitudinal direction (Z), and having a first thickness (d1); a
second reinforcement layer made of a second metallic material
having a second specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.2), the
second reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal direction
(Z) in one piece at least in part on the second side wall, having a
constant cross-section perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z), spaced by a first distance from the first
reinforcement layer, and having a second thickness (d2); and a
diffusion barrier layer having a third thickness (d3; d33) and a
third specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.3, .lamda..sub.33),
the diffusion barrier layer being disposed on the outer wall at
least between the first reinforcement layer and the second
reinforcement layer and being connected with the first
reinforcement layer and the second reinforcement layer in a
diffusion-proof manner to form a diffusion barrier; wherein the
multiplication product of the third specific heat conductivity
(.lamda..sub.3, .lamda..sub.33) and the third thickness (d3; d33)
is less than both (i) the multiplication product of the first
specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.1) and the first thickness
(d1) and (ii) the multiplication product of the second specific
heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.2) and the second thickness (d2),
and the diffusion barrier layer is disposed substantially on a
neutral axis, which is defined by bending the spacer profile by
90.degree. about an axis parallel to the transverse direction (X)
with the inner wall lying further inward than the outer wall with
reference to the bending radius.
2. The spacer profile according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer is made of a third metallic material and the third
thickness (d3) is less than both the first thickness (d1) and the
second thickness (d2).
3. The spacer profile according to claim 2, wherein: the first
specific heat conductivity is between 10
W/(mK).ltoreq..lamda..sub.1.ltoreq.50 W/(mK) and the first
thickness (d1) is between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, the second specific
heat conductivity is between 10
W/(mK).ltoreq..lamda..sub.2.ltoreq.50 W/(mK) and the second
thickness (d2) is between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, and the third specific
heat conductivity is between 14
W/(mK).ltoreq..lamda..sub.3.ltoreq.200 W/(mK) and the third
thickness (d3) is between 0.001 mm and 0.015 mm.
4. The spacer profile according to claim 3, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer extends perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z) in one piece on the outer wall only between the first
and second reinforcement layers.
5. The spacer profile according to claim 3, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer is not disposed between the hollow profile body and
one or both of the first reinforcement layer and the second
reinforcement layer.
6. The spacer profile according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer is not disposed between the hollow profile body and
one or both of the first reinforcement layer and the second
reinforcement layer.
7. The spacer profile according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer extends perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z) in one piece on the outer wall only between the first
and second reinforcement layers.
8. The spacer profile according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer extends perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z) on at least a part of the first reinforcement layer
that faces towards the second reinforcement layer and/or on at
least part of the second reinforcement layer that faces towards the
first reinforcement layer.
9. The spacer profile according to claim 1, wherein the spacer
profile has been bent about the axis parallel to the transverse
direction (X) such that an angle of 90.degree. is formed by
portions of the outer wall that have been bent relative to each
other and the inner wall lies further inwardly than the outer wall
with respect to the bending radius, and the diffusion barrier layer
between the reinforcement layers is at least substantially
uncompressed and unstretched.
10. A spacer profile configured to be used in a spacer frame of an
insulating pane unit for door or window or facade elements, the
insulating pane unit comprising at least first and second panes
having an intervening space defined therebetween, the spacer
profile comprising: a hollow profile body made of a synthetic
material and having a chamber configured to accommodate hygroscopic
material defined therein, the hollow profile body extending in a
longitudinal direction (Z) and comprising: an inner wall configured
to face towards the intervening space between the panes in an
assembled state of the insulating pane unit and to border the
chamber, an outer wall disposed opposite to the inner wall in a
height direction (Y), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction (Z), a first side wall, and a second side wall disposed
opposite to the first side wall in a transverse direction (X),
which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z) and to the
height direction (Y), the first and second side walls respectively
being connected with the inner wall and the outer wall to form the
chamber; a first reinforcement layer made of a first metallic
material having a first specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.1),
the first reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal
direction (Z) in one piece at least in part on the first side wall,
having a constant cross section perpendicular to and in the
longitudinal direction (Z), and having a first thickness (d1); a
second reinforcement layer made of a second metallic material
having a second specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.2), the
second reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal direction
(Z) in one piece at least in part on the second side wall, having a
constant cross-section perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z), spaced by a first distance from the first
reinforcement layer, and having a second thickness (d2); and a
diffusion barrier layer comprising at least a first layer made of a
diffusion-proof EVOH-plastic material having a third thickness
(d33) and a third specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.33), the
diffusion barrier layer being disposed on the outer wall at least
between the first reinforcement layer and the second reinforcement
layer and being connected with the first reinforcement layer and
the second reinforcement layer in a diffusion-proof manner to form
a diffusion barrier; wherein the multiplication product of the
third specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.3, .lamda..sub.33)
and the third thickness (d3; d33) is less than both (i) the
multiplication product of the first specific heat conductivity
(.lamda..sub.1) and the first thickness (d1) and (ii) the
multiplication product of the second specific heat conductivity
(.lamda..sub.2) and the second thickness (d2).
11. The spacer profile according to claim 10, wherein the hollow
profile body and the diffusion barrier layer are integrally made of
the diffusion-proof EVOH-plastic material.
12. The spacer profile according to claim 10, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer further comprises at least a second layer made of
polyolefin, the second layer being applied onto the first
layer.
13. The spacer profile according to claim 12, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer extends perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z) on at least a part of the first reinforcement layer
that faces towards the second reinforcement layer and/or on at
least part of the second reinforcement layer that faces towards the
first reinforcement layer.
14. The spacer profile according to claim 10, wherein the third
thickness (d33) of the diffusion barrier layer is greater than the
first thickness (d1) and/or the second thickness (d2).
15. The spacer profile according to claim 10, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer is not disposed between the hollow profile body and
one or both of the first reinforcement layer and the second
reinforcement layer.
16. The spacer profile according to claim 10, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer extends perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z) in one piece on the outer wall only between the first
and second reinforcement layers.
17. The spacer profile according to claim 10, wherein the diffusion
barrier layer extends perpendicular to and in the longitudinal
direction (Z) on at least a part of the first reinforcement layer
that faces towards the second reinforcement layer and/or on at
least part of the second reinforcement layer that faces towards the
first reinforcement layer.
18. The spacer profile according to claim 10, wherein the spacer
profile has been bent about an axis parallel to the transverse
direction (X) such that an angle of 90.degree. is formed by
portions of the outer wall that have been bent relative to each
other and the inner wall lies further inwardly than the outer wall
with respect to the bending radius, and the diffusion barrier layer
between the reinforcement layers is at least substantially
uncompressed and unstretched.
19. An insulating pane unit comprising: at least first and second
panes arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart to form an
intervening space therebetween, and a spacer frame made of the
spacer profile according to claim 10, the spacer frame being
arranged between the first and second panes such that outer sides
of the first and second side walls in the lateral direction (X) are
bonded by a diffusion-proof adhesive material to inward-facing
sides of the respective first and second panes and such that the
spacer frame at least partially delimits the intervening space
between the first and second panes.
20. An insulating pane unit comprising: at least first and second
panes arranged opposite to each other and spaced apart to form an
intervening space therebetween, and a spacer frame made of the
spacer profile according to claim 1, the spacer frame being
arranged between the first and second panes such that outer sides
of the first and second side walls in the lateral direction (X) are
bonded by a diffusion-proof adhesive material to inward-facing
sides of the respective first and second panes and such that the
spacer frame at least partially delimits the intervening space
between the first and second panes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
This application is the U.S. national stage of International
Application No. PCT/EP2011/005405 filed on Oct. 26, 2011, which
claims priority to German utility model application no. 20 2010 049
806.8 filed on Oct. 27, 2010.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention concerns a spacer profile for use in
insulating pane units having such a spacer profile and an
insulating pane unit having such a spacer profile.
RELATED ART
Insulating pane units having at least two panes 151, 152 that are
held spaced apart from one another inside the insulating pane unit
are well-known (see FIG. 16). The panes 151, 152 are normally made
of inorganic or organic glass or of other materials such as
Plexiglas. The spacing of the panes 151, 152 is usually secured by
a spacer frame 150, which is made of at least one composite
material spacer profile 100. Composite material spacer profiles,
which are also known as composite spacer profiles, are provided
from a plastic profile and a metal layer serving as a diffusion
barrier, and are shown, e.g., in DE 198 32 731 A1 (family member WO
2000/005475 A1), EP 0 953 715 A2 (family member U.S. Pat. No.
6,196,652) or EP 1 017 923 A1 (family member U.S. Pat. No.
6,339,909).
The space 153 between the panes is preferably filled with an
insulating inert gas, such as, for example, argon, krypton, xenon,
etc. The filling gas should not be able to leak out from the space
153 between the panes over a long period of time. Likewise, ambient
air and/or components thereof, such as nitrogen, oxygen, water,
etc., should not be able to penetrate into the space 153 between
the panes. For this reason, the spacer profile 100 should be formed
such that diffusion between the interior space 153 of the panes and
the outside environment is prevented. Therefore, spacer profiles
include a diffusion barrier 157, which prevents diffusion of the
filling gas from the space 153 between the panes into the outer
environment through the spacer profile 100.
Furthermore, to achieve low thermal conduction in these insulating
pane units, in particular the heat transfer of the edge bond, i.e.
of the bond of the edge of the insulating pane unit, of panes 151,
152 and the spacer frame 150, plays a very important role.
Insulating pane units, which ensure high thermal insulation at the
edge connection, satisfy the so-called "warm edge" condition in
accordance with the meaning of the term in the art. Therefore, the
spacer profiles 100 should have good thermal insulation.
The spacer frame 150 is preferably bent from a one-piece spacer
profile 100. To close the frame 150, the two ends of the spacer
profile 100 are connected using a connector. If the spacer frame
150 is assembled from a plurality of spacer profile pieces 100,
more connectors are also necessary. With regard to both
manufacturing costs and insulation properties, it is preferable to
provide only one connection point.
The bending of the frame 150 from the spacer profile 100 takes
place, for example, by cold bending (at a room temperature of
approximately 20.degree. C.). In this process, the problem of
wrinkle formation arises at the bends.
The spacer profile should be bent with the least possible wrinkle
formation and at the same time have high strength and bending
stiffness as well.
A spacer profile is known from EP 0 601 488 A2 (family member U.S.
Pat. No. 5,460,862), in which an additional reinforcing insert is
embedded in the plastic on the profile side that faces towards the
space between the panes when assembled.
Further, spacers are known that have a comparatively thin
continuous reinforcing layer made of metallic material on the
profile body made of plastic. Such spacers lose their diffusion
impermeability when bent at 90.degree. and have comparatively thick
plastic profile walls, so they do not sag too much.
A spacer profile is known from DE 198 32 731 A1 (family member WO
2000/005475 A1), whose profile body consists of poorly
heat-conductive material, and is connected to a diffusion-proof
layer made of a good heat conducting material extending
substantially over its entire width. The diffusion-proof layer made
of good heat conducting material has an area of reduced thermal
conduction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the spacer
profile, which area extends in the longitudinal direction of the
spacer profile.
SUMMARY
It is an object of the present teachings to disclose improved
spacer profiles, in which in particular the thermal insulation is
improved with good strength and/or bending stiffness and with good
wrinkle formation properties during bending. Insulating pane units
comprising such spacer profiles are also disclosed.
According to a first aspect of the present teachings, a spacer
profile for use in a spacer frame of an insulating pane unit for
door- or window- or facade-elements is disclosed, which insulating
pane unit comprises at least first and second panes having an
intervening space defined therebetween. The spacer profile
preferably comprises:
a hollow profile body made of a first synthetic material and having
a chamber for accommodating hygroscopic material defined therein,
the hollow profile body extending in a longitudinal direction (Z)
and comprising:
an inner wall, which faces the intervening space between the panes
of the insulating pane unit in an assembled state of the insulating
pane unit,
an outer wall on the side of the chamber that is opposite to the
inner wall in a height direction (Y), which is perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction (Z), and
lateral in a transverse direction (X), which is perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction (Z) and to the height direction (Y), a
first side wall and an opposing second side wall, which are
connected with the inner wall and the outer wall so as to form the
chamber,
a first reinforcement layer made of a first metallic material
having a first specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.1), the
first reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal direction
(Z) in one piece on, and optionally in at least one section within,
the first side wall with a constant cross section perpendicular to
and in the longitudinal direction, and having a first thickness
(d1),
a second reinforcement layer made of a second metallic material
having a second specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.2), the
second reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal direction
(Z) in one piece on, and optionally in at least one section within,
the second side wall with a constant cross-section perpendicular to
and in the longitudinal direction (Z), being spaced by a first
distance from the first reinforcement layer, and having a second
thickness (d2), and
a diffusion barrier layer having a third thickness (d3; d33) and a
third specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.3, .lamda..sub.33),
the diffusion barrier layer being formed on the outer wall at least
between the first reinforcement layer and the second reinforcement
layer and being connected in a diffusion-proof manner with the
first reinforcement layer and the second reinforcement layer to
form a diffusion barrier,
wherein the product of the third specific heat conductivity
(.lamda..sub.3, .lamda..sub.33) and the third thickness (d3; d33)
is smaller than both (i) the product of the first specific heat
conductivity (.lamda..sub.1) and the first thickness (d1) and (ii)
the product of the second specific heat conductivity
(.lamda..sub.2) and the second thickness (d2), and
the spacer profile is formed such that, during bending of the
spacer profile by 90.degree. about an axis parallel to the
transverse direction (X) with the inner wall lying further inward
than the outer wall with reference to the bending radius, the
diffusion barrier layer is disposed substantially on the neutral
axis.
According to a second aspect of the present teachings, a spacer
profile for use in a spacer frame of an insulating pane unit for
door- or window- or facade-elements is disclosed, which insulating
pane unit comprises at least first and second panes having an
intervening space defined therebetween. The spacer profile
preferably comprises:
a hollow profile body made of a first synthetic material and having
a chamber for accommodating hygroscopic material defined therein,
the hollow profile body extending in a longitudinal direction (Z)
and comprising:
an inner wall, which faces the intervening space between the panes
of the insulating pane unit in an assembled state of the insulating
pane unit,
an outer wall on the side of the chamber that is opposite to the
inner wall in a height direction (Y), which is perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction (Z), and
lateral in a transverse direction (X), which is perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction (Z) and to the height direction (Y), a
first side wall and an opposing second side wall, which are
connected with the inner wall and the outer wall so as to form the
chamber,
a first reinforcement layer made of a first metallic material
having a first specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.1), the
first reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal direction
(Z) in one piece on, and optionally in at least one section within,
the first side wall with a constant cross section perpendicular to
and in the longitudinal direction, and having a first thickness
(d1),
a second reinforcement layer made of a second metallic material
having a second specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.2), the
second reinforcement layer extending in the longitudinal direction
(Z) in one piece on, and optionally in at least one section within,
the second side wall with a constant cross-section perpendicular to
and in the longitudinal direction (Z), being spaced by a first
distance from the first reinforcement layer, and having a second
thickness (d2), and
a diffusion barrier layer comprising at least a first layer made of
a diffusion-proof EVOH-plastic material having a third thickness
(d33) and a third specific heat conductivity (.lamda..sub.33), the
diffusion barrier layer being formed on the outer wall at least
between the first reinforcement layer and the second reinforcement
layer and being connected in a diffusion-proof manner with the
first reinforcement layer and the second reinforcement layer to
form a diffusion barrier,
wherein the product of the third specific heat conductivity
(.lamda..sub.3, .lamda..sub.33), and the third thickness (d33) is
smaller than both (i) the product of the first specific heat
conductivity (.lamda..sub.1) and the first thickness (d1) and (ii)
the product of the second specific heat conductivity
(.lamda..sub.2) and the second thickness (d2).
According to a third aspect of the present teachings, an insulating
pane unit preferably comprises:
at least first and second panes arranged so as to oppose each other
and be spaced apart to define an intervening space therebetween,
and
a spacer frame made of a spacer profile according to any embodiment
or aspect of the present teachings disclosed herein, the spacer
frame being arranged between the panes such that the outer sides of
the side walls in the lateral direction are bonded by a
diffusion-proof adhesive material to the respective sides of the
panes that face the outer sides of the side walls and such that the
spacer frame, in part, delimits the intervening space between the
panes.
The diffusion impermeability is ensured on one hand by a diffusion
barrier, which is formed by the two reinforcing layers and the
diffusion barrier layer and is located in the neutral line during
the bending of the spacer profile. On the other hand, the hollow
profile body may be at least partially manufactured from a
diffusion-proof plastic material, such as an EVOH material, that
ensures diffusion impermeability. In this case a diffusion barrier
layer also is formed between the reinforcing layers, namely the
part of the outer wall that is located between the reinforcing
layers. Substantially less heat is transmitted through the
diffusion barrier layer than through the reinforcing layers. The
spacer profile having the two spaced-apart reinforcing layers,
which are connected with each other in a central section by a
diffusion barrier layer, has a much lower thermal conductivity for
the same diffusion impermeability than a comparable conventional
spacer profile. At the same time, the spacer profile is stiffer and
stronger. Furthermore, material can be saved, whereby the
manufacturing costs and weight are reduced. By suitably designing
the geometry of the hollow profile body and the reinforcing layers,
the diffusion barrier layer may be located, during the bending of
the spacer, approximately on the neutral line (the zone of the
material that experiences no stretching or compression during the
bending) of the spacer profile. Therefore substantially no tensile
stresses act on the diffusion barrier layer during the bending. For
this reason, a diffusion barrier layer can be used, which is
required to withstand little or no tensile forces. In addition, the
diffusion barrier layer can be easily applied to the spacer
profile.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features and utilities will become apparent from the
description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the Figures.
The Figures show:
FIG. 1 in each of a) and b), a cross sectional perspective view of
an assembled insulating pane unit having a spacer profile, adhesive
material and sealing material disposed therebetween,
FIG. 2 a schematic side view, partially cut open, of a bent spacer
frame made of a spacer profile in the ideal state,
FIG. 3 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile, in a) according
to a first embodiment, in a U-configuration and with a narrow
diffusion barrier layer, and in b) according to a second
embodiment, in a U-configuration and with a wide diffusion barrier
layer,
FIG. 4 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile, in a) according
to a third embodiment, in a W-configuration and with a narrow
diffusion barrier layer, and in b) according to a fourth
embodiment, in a W-configuration and with a wide diffusion barrier
layer,
FIG. 5 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
fifth embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration,
FIG. 6 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
sixth embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration
FIG. 7 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
seventh embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration, in c) an enlarged view of the portion surrounded
by a circle in a) and in d) an enlarged view of the portion
surrounded by a circle in b),
FIG. 8 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to an
eighth embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration,
FIG. 9 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
ninth embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration,
FIG. 10 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
tenth embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration,
FIG. 11 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to an
eleventh embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration,
FIG. 12 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
twelfth embodiment, in a) in a W-configuration and in b) in a
U-configuration,
FIG. 13 a view onto the outer wall of a spacer profile according to
a thirteenth embodiment, and
FIG. 14 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
fourteenth embodiment,
FIG. 15 a cross sectional view of the spacer profile according to
the first embodiment after a bending procedure,
FIG. 16 in each of a) and b), a cross sectional perspective view of
an assembled insulating pane unit having a spacer profile, adhesive
material and sealing material disposed therebetween, as known from
the prior art,
FIG. 17 in each a) and b), a cross sectional view of a spacer
profile according to a fifteenth to nineteenth embodiment,
FIG. 18 a cross sectional view of a spacer profile according to a
twentieth embodiment, and
FIG. 19 a section of a cross-sectional view of a spacer profile
according to a twenty-first embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS.
1-17. The same features are indicated with the same reference
numerals in all Figures, wherein for reasons of clarity all
reference numerals are not used in all Figures.
Furthermore, a spacer profile 1 will be described according to a
first embodiment with reference to FIG. 3a). The spacer profile 1
is shown in FIG. 3a) in cross section perpendicular to a
longitudinal direction Z, i.e. in the section in an X-Y plane,
which is spanned by a transverse direction X, which is
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z, and a height
direction Y, which is perpendicular to the transverse direction X
and the longitudinal direction Z. In the embodiment, the spacer
profile 1 extends in the longitudinal direction Z with a symmetry
plane L, which is centrally disposed in relation to the transverse
direction X and extends parallel to the longitudinal direction Z
and to the height direction Y.
The spacer profile 1 has a hollow profile body 10 made of a plastic
material, which extends in the longitudinal direction Z with a
constant cross-sectional shape and has a first width b1 in the
transverse direction X and a first height h1 in the height
direction Y. The hollow profile body 10 has an inner wall 12 in its
height direction Y and an outer wall 14 on the side opposite the
inner wall 12 in height direction Y. The outer edges in the
transverse direction X of the inner wall 12 and the outer wall 14
are each connected to one another by a side wall 16, 18, which
extends substantially parallel to height direction Y. The first
side wall 16 is opposite to the second side wall 18 in the
transverse direction X. The symmetry plane L extends substantially
parallel to side walls 16, 18 and is disposed centrally between
them. A chamber 20 is formed and/or delimited by the inner wall 12,
the first side wall 16, the outer wall 14 and the second side wall
18, which are connected to one another.
The first side wall 16, the second side wall 18 and the outer wall
14 each have a first wall thickness s1. The inner wall 12 has a
second wall thickness s2.
In accordance with the first embodiment, the junctions or
connecting portions of the side walls 16, 18 to the outer wall 14
are each rounded in the cross-sectional view, formed here
substantially in the shape of a quarter circle. A U-shape
(U-configuration) is therefore created by the two side walls 16, 18
and the outer wall 14, on which the inner wall 12 is set as a lid.
The junctions or connecting portions between the side walls 16, 18
and the inner wall 12 are therefore formed substantially
right-angled in the cross section relative to the longitudinal
direction Z, with a rounded connecting portion on the side facing
the chamber 20. The hollow profile body 10 is preferably integrally
manufactured by extrusion.
In this embodiment the outer wall 14 is formed slightly concave in
relation to the chamber 20. This means that the outer wall 14 is
curved towards the interior of chamber 20 in the height direction Y
to form an arch 21. In the middle with respect to its edges in the
transverse direction X, i.e. in the area of the symmetry plane L,
the outer wall 14 is curved inwardly towards the chamber 20 by a
second height h2.
In addition, the inner wall 12 is formed slightly concave in
relation to the chamber 20 in this embodiment. This means that the
inner wall 12 is curved towards the interior of the chamber 20 in
the height direction Y to form an arch 121. In the middle with
respect to its edges in the transverse direction X, i.e. in the
area of the symmetry plane L, the inner wall 12 is curved inwardly
towards the chamber 20 by a third height h3.
Preferably, the arches 21 are already formed in the plastic during
the extrusion. However, they can also be formed directly after the
extrusion or in a subsequent roll reshaping process.
In this embodiment two reinforcing layers 22, 24 extend directly on
the hollow profile body 10, each on a large portion of the outer
surfaces of the side walls 16, 18, which outer surfaces face away
from the chamber 20, and on a portion of the outer side of the
outer wall 14 that faces away from the chamber 20. A first
reinforcing layer 22 extends integrally and continuously in the
longitudinal direction Z with a constant cross-section directly on
the (facing away from the chamber) outer side of the first side
wall 16 from just below the inner wall 12 to and directly on the
portion of the (facing away from the chamber) outer side of the
outer wall 14 that faces towards the first side wall 16. A second
reinforcing layer 24 extends integrally and continuously in the
longitudinal direction Z with a constant cross-section directly on
the (facing away from the chamber) outer side of the second side
wall 18 from just below the inner wall 12 to and directly on the
portion of the (facing away from the chamber) outer side of the
outer wall 14 that faces towards the second side wall 18. The first
reinforcing layer 22 is formed from a first diffusion-proof
metallic material having a first specific thermal conductivity
.lamda..sub.1 and the second reinforcing layer 24 is formed from a
second diffusion-proof metallic material having a second specific
thermal conductivity .lamda..sub.2.
To the extent the term "diffusion impermeability" or
"diffusion-proof" is used herein with respect to the spacer profile
or the materials forming the spacer profile, both vapor diffusion
impermeability and gas diffusion impermeability are preferably
meant for the gases-in-question (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, water,
etc., in particular argon) in the following description. The
materials used are considered to be gas-proof or vapor-proof when
preferably no more than 1% of the gases in the space 153 between
the panes can leak out within one year. Diffusion impermeability is
also equated with low diffusion in the sense that the applicable
test standard EN 1279 Part 2+3 is preferably satisfied. This means
that the finished spacer profile preferably satisfies the test
standard EN 1279 Part 2+3.
The first and second reinforcing layer 22, 24 do not touch one
another. The reinforcing layers 22, 24 are configured and arranged
such that, with respect to transverse direction X, they are spaced
from one another by a first distance a1. This means that between
the reinforcing layers 22, 24, a section 25, which is central with
respect to transverse direction X and extends in the transverse
direction X over the first distance a1, remains free on the outer
side of the outer wall 14. In this embodiment, the central section
25 has a second width b2 in the transverse direction X that
corresponds to the first distance a1. No reinforcing layer is
formed and/or disposed in or on this central section 25.
In this embodiment, the reinforcing layers 22, 24 extend
symmetrically with respect to the symmetry plane L, so that the
first reinforcing layer 22 and the second reinforcing layer 24 each
have a distance a1/2 to the symmetry plane L. The reinforcing
layers 22, 24 are molecular bonded directly with the corresponding
walls. To the extent the term "molecular bonded directly" or
"bonded" is used herein, direct bonding without any intermediate
layers is meant in the following description. Specifically, in the
present embodiment this means that the hollow profile body 10 and
the reinforcing layers 22, 24 are permanently bonded together for
example by co-extrusion of the hollow profile body 10 together with
the reinforcing layers 22, 24 and/or optionally with the use of
adhesion agents and no further layers are formed between the
reinforcing layers 22, 24 and the hollow profile body 10.
The first reinforcing layer 22 has a constant first thickness d1.
The second reinforcing layer 24 has a constant second thickness d2.
The first thickness d1 and the second thickness d2 are the same in
the present embodiment. Since the reinforcing layers 22, 24 are
each formed on the outer side of the outer wall 14, the height of
the hollow profile body 10 in the height direction Y is increased
in this embodiment by the amount of thickness d1 or d2, so that the
spacer profile 1 has an overall height h4=h1+d1. The first width b1
does not change, since the edges of the hollow profile body 10 in
this embodiment are formed in the transverse direction X such that
the reinforcing layers 22, 24 do not increase the first width b1.
This means that the section of the side walls 16, 18, on which no
reinforcing layers 22, 24 are formed, is formed in a
correspondingly wider manner.
In the first embodiment, the end portions of the reinforcing layers
22, 24 opposite the outer wall 14 in the height direction Y have
profile extension segments 28 that extend in the longitudinal
direction Z. The extension segments 28 extend the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 in the height direction Y to just below the inner
wall 12. The term "profile" in this context means that the
extension segment 28 is not exclusively a linear extension of the
respective reinforcing layer 22, 24 in the height direction Y, but
rather that a two-dimensional profile is formed in the
two-dimensional representation of the cross section in the X-Y
plane; for example the profile has one or more bends 29 of the
extension segment 28.
In this embodiment, the extension segments 28 have, at the level of
inner wall 12, a 90.degree. bend 29 towards the symmetry plane L
and into the inner wall 12. This means that the extension segment
28 protrudes into the inner wall 12. In addition, it has a groove
30 in the two-dimensional representation of the cross section in
the X-Y plane. The extension segment 28 protrudes with a first
length L1 in the transverse direction X from the outer side of the
corresponding side wall 16, 18 of the hollow profile body 10 into
the inner wall 12.
The extension segments 28 provide an improved bending property and
an improved adhesion of the reinforcing layers 22, 24 on and/or in
the hollow profile body 10. It is preferred when the extension
segments 28 are arranged as close as possible to the outer side of
the inner wall 12 facing away from chamber 20 (as close as possible
to the space 53 between the panes), but are covered by the material
of the inner wall 12. The extension segments 28 are each
incorporated in an accommodation portion 31. Such an accommodation
portion 31 is formed by the inner wall 12 and/or side wall 16, 18
and extends from the outer side of the inner wall 12 into the same
and optionally into the corresponding side wall 16, 18 over a
height in the height direction Y, which is less than 0.4 h1,
preferably is less than 0.2 h1 and even more preferably less than
0.1 h1. The specified height of the accommodation portions 31 also
defines the beginning of the extension segments 28. The
accommodation portions 31 have at least the thickness s1 of the
side walls 16, 18 in the transverse direction X. The accommodation
portions preferably extend from the outer side of the side walls
16, 18 facing away from the chamber over a width<1.5 l1, more
preferably over a width<1.2 l1 and even more preferably over a
width of 1.1 l1 in the transverse direction X.
Optionally, the inner wall 12 and/or the side walls 16, 18 may have
an increased wall thickness in the region of accommodation portions
31. This is shown in an exemplary manner in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and
10.
The mass of each extension segment 28 is preferably at least 10% of
the mass of the remaining portion of the respective reinforcing
layer 22, 24 which is located above the center line of the spacer
profile 1 in the vertical direction Y, preferably at least about
20%, more preferably at least 50%, and even more preferably at
least 100%.
A diffusion barrier layer 26, which is preferably made of a third
diffusion-proof metallic material having a third specific thermal
conductivity .lamda..sub.3, is directly applied onto the area of
the outer side of the outer wall 14 on which no reinforcing layer
22, 24 is provided, i.e. on the central portion 25 with reference
to the transverse direction X that extends over the first distance
a1 in the transverse direction X. The diffusion barrier layer 26
may, however, also be formed from a different diffusion-proof
material, such as a diffusion-proof plastic material. Such a
plastic material is for example an ethylene-vinyl alcohol
copolymer, which is also referred to as EVOH. The EVOH material
distributed by NIPPON GOHSEI, under the product name
"SoarnoL.RTM.", is preferably used. More preferably, it may be the
product sold under the product name "SoarnoL.RTM. 29 mol %". More
preferably, the diffusion barrier layer 26 is formed of several
layers. The layers may comprise at least a first layer made of EVOH
material and a second layer made of polyolefin, such as PE or PP.
The first and second layers are preferably bonded by an adhesion
agent.
The diffusion barrier layer 26 extends in the transverse direction
X over the first distance a1 between the first reinforcing layer 22
and the second reinforcing layer 24 and in the longitudinal
direction Z with a constant cross-sectional shape in a section X-Y
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L over the entire
length of the spacer profile 1. The diffusion barrier layer 26 has
a third thickness d3, which in this embodiment is smaller than the
first thickness d1 and the second thickness is d2. The diffusion
barrier layer 26 is bonded in a diffusion-proof manner to the first
reinforcing layer 22 and to the second reinforcing layer 24. The
diffusion barrier layer 26 is directly bonded in a diffusion-proof
manner, for example by vapor deposition, lamination, adhesive
bonding, welding, sputtering, galvanizing or rolling up with the
reinforcing layers 22, 24 and the outer side of the outer wall 14.
Preferably, the diffusion barrier layer 26 is directly bonded with
the outer side of the outer wall 14 in a molecular bonded manner.
It is bonded at its edges in the transverse direction X with the
reinforcing layers 22, 24, for example, by an adhesion agent.
Alternatively, the edges of the diffusion barrier layer 26 are
directly bonded with the edges of the reinforcing layers 22, 24 for
example by welding or by vapor deposition.
In the area of the outer wall 14, the diffusion barrier layer 26 is
therefore directly bonded thereto, in which area the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 are not bonded with the outer wall 14. The outer wall
is therefore completely covered by the reinforcing layers 22, 24
and the diffusion barrier layer 26.
The diffusion barrier layer 26 provides a diffusion-proof bonding
of the first reinforcing layer 22 with the second reinforcing layer
24. Simultaneously, the diffusion barrier layer 26 serves to
thermally isolate the first reinforcing layer 22 from the second
reinforcing layer 24. The heat conduction through the diffusion
barrier layer 26 is less than the heat conduction through the
reinforcing layers 22, 24. The thermal conductivity, i.e. the
thermal conductivity value, depends on the geometry and the
specific thermal conductivity of a component. The diffusion barrier
layer 26 is formed such that the product of the third thickness d3
and the specific third thermal conductivity .lamda..sub.3 of the
diffusion barrier layer 26 is smaller than both the product of the
first thickness d1 with the first specific thermal conductivity
.lamda..sub.1 of the first reinforcing layer 22, as well as the
product of the second thickness d2 with the second specific thermal
conductivity .lamda..sub.2 of the second reinforcing layer 24. This
condition does not exclude the fact that the third specific thermal
conductivity .lamda..sub.3 or the third thickness d3 is greater
than the corresponding sizes of the reinforcing layers 22, 24,
since the size of the product can be corrected by the other,
correspondingly reduced, factor. For example, by using a very thin,
e.g. vapor-deposited, diffusion barrier layer 26 made of aluminium,
which has a very high third specific thermal conductivity
.lamda..sub.3, with a very small third thickness d3 (by vapor
deposition), a both insulating and diffusion-proof bonding between
the reinforcing layers 22, 24 will be formed, wherein the above
relationship of the products to one another is satisfied.
The spacer profile 1 therefore has a diffusion-proof diffusion
barrier 27, which is formed from the first reinforcing layer 22,
the diffusion barrier layer 26 and the second reinforcing layer 24
and extends from the first side wall 16 over the outer wall 14 to
the second side wall 18. Therefore, the space 53 between the panes
may be delimited in a diffusion-proof manner by the spacer profile
1 in the installed state of the spacer profile 1.
In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 16, 18 each further
have a notch 32 on the inner side of each side wall 16, 18 that
faces towards the chamber. The notches 32 are formed below the
center line in the height direction Y of the spacer profile 1 and
extend in the longitudinal direction Z. The notches 32 provide an
improved bending property, as will be further explained below.
Openings 34 are formed in the inner wall 12 so that, independent of
the choice of material for the hollow profile body 10, the inner
wall 12 is not formed in a diffusion-proof manner. In the assembled
state, gas exchange, in particular also moisture exchange, between
the space 53 between the panes and the chamber 20 filled with
hygroscopic material can be ensured through the openings 34 of the
spacer profile 1.
The inner wall 12 is referred to as the inner wall, since it is
turned inwardly towards a space 53 between the panes (see FIGS. 1a)
and b)) in the installed state. The outer wall 14 is referred to as
the outer wall, since it faces away from the space 53 between the
panes in the installed state. The side walls 16, 18 are formed as
attachment crosspieces for attachment to the inner sides of the
panes 51, 52, over which the spacer profile 1 is preferably adhered
to the inner sides of the panes (see also FIG. 1). The chamber 20
is formed to accommodate hygroscopic material.
The spacer profile 1 is preferably bent by four 90.degree. bends
into a one-piece spacer frame 50 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, one,
two or three bends may be provided if necessary and the remaining,
if provided, 90.degree. corners are formed from corner connectors.
The spacer profiles 1 are preferably bent in a cold bending
process. For example, the spacer profile 1 is inserted into a
groove during the bending, which groove guides and/or supports the
side walls in the transverse direction X. This ensures that the
side walls cannot outwardly spread in the transverse direction X
during the bending.
During the bending of the spacer profile 1, the inner wall 12 is
normally compressed and/or shortened. The outer wall 14 is
stretched. Between the inner wall 12 and the outer wall 14 there is
a neutral zone, in which the material of the body is neither
stretched nor compressed. The neutral zone is also called "neutral
line" of a body.
The curved design of the outer wall 14 ensures that the outer wall
14 "folds in" (see FIG. 15) towards the interior when the spacer
profile 1 is bent. Herein, "folds in" means that the outer wall 14
is displaced towards the chamber 20, i.e. towards the neutral line.
In addition, the notches 32 in the side walls 16, 18 make sure that
the outer wall 14 can easily and amply fold inwardly during the
bending of the spacer profile 1.
In order for the diffusion barrier layer 26 not to tear during the
bending due to the usual stretching that occurs on the outer side
of a bent body, the central section 25, which extends over the
first distance a1 (area of the outer wall 14 on which no
reinforcing layer 22, 24 is formed) in the transverse direction X,
the arch 21 of the outer wall 14, i.e. the second height h2, the
first and second wall thickness d1, d2 of the reinforcing layers
22, 24, the wall thicknesses s1, s2 of the chamber 20 and the
notches 32, in particular, are formed such that, during the process
of bending by 90.degree. about the bending axis parallel to the
transverse direction X, the diffusion barrier layer 26 is located
substantially on the "neutral line" of the spacer profile 1. That
is, the diffusion barrier layer 26 is not stretched during bending,
since the diffusion barrier layer 26 is on the neutral line of the
spacer profile 1. The bending tension is approximately zero there.
The diffusion barrier layer 26 is therefore only required to fulfil
very simple mechanical requirements and it can be ensured that the
diffusion barrier layer 26 does not break and thus spring a leak
during bending. The reinforcing layers 22, 24, in particular their
thicknesses d1, d2, are formed so that they do not tear during the
bending of the spacer profile 10. The diffusion barrier 27, which
is made of the first reinforcing layer 22, the diffusion barrier
layer 26 and the second reinforcing layer 24, therefore remains
diffusion-proof even after the bending procedure.
The arched configuration also helps provide an "easy" folding-in
for the inside wall 12. The inner wall 12 is mostly compressed.
Alternatively or additionally, wrinkle formation may also occur, so
that the length is shortened in a corresponding manner. The
extension segments 28 reduce the wrinkle formation at the edges in
the transverse direction X.
The plastic material of the hollow profile body 10 is preferably an
elastically-plastically deformable, poorly heat-conductive
(insulating) material.
Herein, the term "elastically-plastically deformable" preferably
means that elastic restoring forces are active in the material
after the bending process, as is typically the case for plastics,
but that a portion of the bending occurs through a plastic,
irreversible deformation. Further, the term "poorly
heat-conductive" herein preferably means that the specific thermal
conductivity .lamda. is less than or equal to 0.3 W/(mK).
Polyolefins, more preferably polypropylene, polyethylene
terephthalate, polyamide, copolyamide or polycarbonate, ABS, SAN,
PCABS, are preferably such a material. An example of such a
polypropylene is Novolen 1040.RTM.. The material preferably has an
elastic modulus less than or equal 2200 N/mm.sup.2 and a specific
thermal conductivity .lamda..ltoreq.0.3 W/(mK), preferably
.ltoreq.0.2 W/(mK).
The first metallic material is preferably a plastically deformable
material. Herein, the term "plastically deformable" means that
practically no elastic restoring forces are acting after the
deformation. This is typically the case when metals are bent beyond
the yield point. The preferred first metallic material for the
reinforcing layer 22 is steel or stainless steel and has a first
specific thermal conductivity in the range of 10
W/(mK).ltoreq..lamda..sub.1.ltoreq.50 W/(mK), preferably in the
range of 10 W/(mK).ltoreq..lamda..sub.1.ltoreq.25 W/(mK), and more
preferably in the range of 14 W/(mK).ltoreq..lamda..sub.1.ltoreq.17
W/(mK). The elastic modulus of this material is preferably in the
range of 170 to 240 kN/mm2 kN/mm.sup.2, preferably at 210
kN/mm.sup.2. The elongation at break of the material is preferably
.ltoreq.15%, more preferably .ltoreq.20%, even more preferably
.ltoreq.30% and even more preferably .ltoreq.40%. The metallic
material can have an anti-corrosion coating made of tin (such as
tin plate) or zinc, if necessary, if required or desired, with a
chromium coating or chromate coating. The second metallic material
of the second reinforcing layer 24 preferably corresponds to the
first metallic material, but it may, in particular if the shapes
and thicknesses/widths of the two reinforcing layers 22, 24 differ
from one another, also be a metallic material that differs from the
first metallic material. An example of a reinforcing layer 22, 24
is a stainless steel foil having a thickness d1, d2 of 0.10 mm.
The diffusion-proof, preferred metallic material for the diffusion
barrier layer 26 is, for example steel or stainless steel,
vapor-deposited aluminium or sputtered aluminium. Alternatively,
the diffusion barrier layer also may be formed from a
diffusion-proof multilayer plastic film having a metallic coating
or a metallic layer transfer foil. This means that the diffusion
barrier layer 26 may be formed of plastic with an embedded,
continuous metal layer.
The metallic material for the diffusion barrier layer 26 has a
specific third thermal conductivity in the range of 10
W/(mK).ltoreq..lamda..sub.3.ltoreq.250 W/(mK), and preferably in
the range of 14 W/(mK) (stainless
steel).ltoreq..lamda..sub.3.ltoreq.200 W/(mK) (aluminium). An
example of a diffusion barrier layer 26 made of metal is for
example a stainless steel foil having a thickness d3 of 0.01 mm, an
aluminium foil having a thickness d3 of 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm, or a
vapor-deposited or sputtered aluminium layer having a thickness d3
of less than 10 nm. It should be noted that thickness d3 indicates
only the thickness of the metal layer. In case of a diffusion
barrier layer made of plastic with an embedded metal layer or a
multilayer foil, the diffusion barrier layer is correspondingly
thicker.
For the manufacture of the spacer 1, the hollow profile body 10 is
preferably coextruded together with the first and second
reinforcing layer 22, 24. After the extrusion process, the first
and second reinforcing layer 22, 24 are bonded directly to the
hollow profile body 10 in a molecular bonded manner. The first and
second reinforcing layer 22, 24 are spaced from one another by the
first distance a1 in the transverse direction X on the outer side
of the outer wall 14. In a further step the diffusion barrier layer
26 is applied in a diffusion-proof manner onto the central section
25 over the first distance a1 on the outer side of the outer wall
14 that is not bonded to the reinforcing layer 22, 24. For example,
the diffusion barrier layer 26 is vapor-deposited, adhered,
sputtered, laminated or galvanized. The diffusion barrier layer 26
is thereby bonded in a diffusion-proof manner at its edges in the
transverse direction X with the respective reinforcing layer 22,
24. After application of the diffusion barrier layer 26, the first
reinforcing layer 22, the diffusion barrier layer 26 and the second
reinforcing layer 24 form a continuous diffusion barrier 27.
After the manufacture of the spacer profile 1, it is bent in
accordance with the shape of the desired spacer frame 50, as shown
in FIG. 2 in an exemplarily manner. During the bending, as was
already described above, the side walls 16, 18 are preferably
guided so that they can not spread in the transverse direction X
due to the bending process. After the bending of the spacer frame
50, the ends must be connected using a suitable connector 54 (see
FIG. 2). After the connection of the spacer profile 1, the side
walls 16, 18, which are formed as attachment crosspieces, are
adhered using an adhesive material (primary sealant) 61, e.g. a
butyl sealant based on polyisobutylene, to the pane inner sides of
the panes 51, 52 (see FIG. 1). The space 53 between the panes is
thus delimited by two panes 51, 52 and the spacer frame 50. The
inner side of the spacer frame 50 faces towards the space 53
between the panes. On the side facing away from the space 53
between the panes in the height direction Y in FIG. 1, a
mechanically stabilizing sealing material (secondary adhesive),
e.g. polysulphide, polyurethane or silicone, is introduced into the
remaining empty space between the pane inner sides to fill the
empty space. This sealing material also protects the diffusion
barrier 27 from mechanical and other corrosive/deteriorating
influences. The thus manufactured insulating pane unit can then be
installed in a window frame.
All description relating to the first embodiment also applies to
all other described embodiments, unless a difference is expressly
described or shown in the Figures.
FIG. 3b) shows a spacer profile 1 according to a second embodiment.
The only difference from the spacer profile 1 according to the
first embodiment is that the reinforcing layers 22, 24 are formed
such that the first distance a1 between the reinforcing layers 22
and 24 is larger in the transverse direction X than that of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3a). This means that the first reinforcing
layer 22 and the second reinforcing layer 24 are formed in essence
only up to the edge regions of the outer wall 14 in the transverse
direction X and the diffusion barrier layer 26 extends over the
larger, in comparison to the first embodiment, first distance a1 in
the transverse direction X. In essence, the diffusion barrier layer
26 lies completely, according to the previous embodiments, on the
neutral line of the spacer profile 1.
FIG. 4a) shows a spacer profile 1 according to a third embodiment.
The spacer profile 1 according to the third embodiment is formed in
a so-called "W-configuration". In the W-configuration, the side
walls 16 each have, as viewed from within the chamber 20, a concave
connecting portion 40 to the outer wall 14. Since the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 on the outer side of the side walls 16, 18 extend up
to the outer side of the outer wall 14, the reinforcing layers 22,
24 have a corresponding concave connecting portion 40. The concave
connecting portion 40 results in an elongation of the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 for the same first width b1 and first height h1 of
spacer profile 1. Through the elongated reinforcing layers 22, 24,
the heat conduction is reduced through the reinforcing layers 22,
24 relative to the first embodiment (U-configuration) despite the
same height h1 and width b1. In addition, the bending stiffness of
the spacer profile 1 is further improved due to the modified
structure. As a result of the concave connecting portions 40, the
arch 21 in the outer wall 14 may not be necessary. During the
bending, the area, which includes the diffusion barrier layer 26,
folds inwardly towards the chamber 20. The area, which includes the
diffusion barrier layer 26, lies on the neutral line of the
spacer.
The rest of the spacer profile 1 corresponds to what is shown in
FIG. 3a). The fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4b) differs from the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4a) in that the first distance a1 is
increased relative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a). The thermal
conduction can be further reduced thereby.
The hereinafter-described fifth to twelfth embodiments each
include, in particular, a diffusion-proof diffusion barrier 27,
which is formed from the first reinforcing layer 22, the diffusion
barrier layer 26 and the second reinforcing layer 24. Further, in
all illustrated embodiments, the diffusion barrier layer 26 lies on
the neutral line of spacer profile 1 during the bending about an
axis parallel to the transverse direction X1. In the spacer
profiles shown in FIGS. 5 to 14, none of the optional notches 32
and arches 21, 121 are shown for simplicity.
In the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a) and b), the extension
segment 28 has a bend 29 of 90.degree. corresponding to the first
and second embodiments and an adjoining segment (flange), which
extends inwardly from the outer edge of the corresponding side wall
16, 18 over a length l1 in the transverse direction X. Unlike the
first embodiment, the extension segment 28 has no additional
profiling in the shape of a groove extending in the longitudinal
direction Z, but rather it extends straight.
In FIGS. 6a) and b), a spacer profile 1 according to a sixth
embodiment is shown in cross section in the X-Y plane. The sixth
embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the extension
segments 28 are almost twice as long as in the first embodiment,
wherein the extension length l1 in the transverse direction X
remains almost the same. This is achieved by the fact that the
extension segments 28 have a second bend 29 of 180.degree.. The
second bend 29 of 180.degree. is formed at the distance l1 from the
outer side of the corresponding side wall 16, 18 so that the
segment of the extension segment 28, which adjoins the second bend
29, also extends in the transverse direction X, but outwardly. This
ensures that a much longer extension segment is disposed in the
inner wall 12 of the spacer profile 1, whereby improved bending
properties result. In addition, a portion of the material of the
hollow profile body 10 is thereby enclosed on three sides by the
profiles formed by the extension segments 28. This enclosure
results in that, under compression, the enclosed material acts like
a substantially non-compressible volume element during a bending
process. An improved bending property and/or stiffness property
results therefrom.
Referring to FIGS. 7a) and b), a spacer profile 1 according to a
seventh embodiment will be described, wherein in FIGS. 7c) and d)
the areas surrounded by a circle in a) or b) are shown enlarged. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 the extension segments 28 do not
protrude into the inner wall 12, but are provided on the outer side
of the inner wall 12. The extension segments 28 are visible in a
very advantageous position for bending property, certainly by a
consumer when installed.
FIGS. 8a) and b) are cross sectional views of a spacer profile 1
according to an eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment differs
from the fifth embodiment in that the bend 29 is not a 90.degree.
bend, but rather a 180.degree. bend, so that the part of the
extension segment 28 that follows the bend 29 extends in the height
direction Y. According to the sixth embodiment, a three-sided
enclosure of a portion of the material of the hollow profile body
10 is thereby achieved, even though only one bend 29 is present.
This leads to an improved bending property and stiffness
property.
In FIGS. 9a) and b), cross sectional views of a spacer profile 1
according to a ninth embodiment are shown. The ninth embodiment
differs from the eighth embodiment only in that the radius of
curvature of the extension segments 28 is smaller than the radius
of curvature of the eighth embodiment.
In FIGS. 10a) and b), cross sectional views of a spacer profile 1
according to a tenth embodiment are shown. The tenth embodiment
differs from the first through ninth embodiments in that the
extension segments 28 first make a bend 29 of approximately
45.degree. inwards and then have a bend 29 of approximately
45.degree. in the opposite direction and then a bend 29 of
180.degree. with the corresponding three-sided enclosure of a
portion of the material of the hollow profile body 10.
If the spacer profile 1 or the extension segment 28 have curved
and/or angled configurations corresponding to FIGS. 3 to 10, the
length (in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction) of the extension segment 28, and thus the mass of the
reinforcing layer additionally introduced in this segment or
portion of the spacer profile, can be significantly increased. A
reduced wrinkle formation during the bending thereby results.
Further, sagging is considerably reduced, since the curved, angled
and/or folded extension segment significantly contributes to
strengthening the structural integrity of the bent spacer
frame.
FIGS. 11a) and b) show a spacer profile 1 according to an eleventh
embodiment in a W- and a U-configuration. The spacer profile 1 of
this embodiment has no extension segments 28.
FIGS. 12a) and b) show a spacer profile 1 according to a twelfth
embodiment. This spacer profile 1 differs from the tenth embodiment
shown in FIGS. 10 a) and b) in that the 180.degree.-bend 29 and the
adjoining part of the extension segment 28 are not present.
In FIG. 13, a further alternative embodiment is shown in a view, as
seen in the Y direction from below. In this embodiment there is
only one reinforcing layer 22, 24 extending on the side walls 16,
18 and the outer wall 14. The reinforcing layer 22, 24 has openings
35 that are separated by transverse crosspieces 36. Each opening is
formed centrally between the side walls 16, 18 and has the second
width b2 in the transverse direction X. The height of the openings
in the longitudinal direction Z results from a second distance a2
of the transverse crosspieces 36 relative to one another. The
transverse crosspieces 36 themselves extend with a second length 12
in the longitudinal direction Z. The transverse crosspieces 36 and
the openings 35 are preferably disposed at regular intervals in the
longitudinal direction Z. In the area of the transverse crosspieces
36, the reinforcing layer 22, 24 can have a different
thickness/width in height direction Y. The diffusion barrier layer
26 is applied between the transverse crosspieces 36 and the
reinforcing layer 22, 24 at least on the areas not covered by
reinforcing layers 22, 24 of the outer wall 14. The diffusion
barrier layer can be also applied on the transverse crosspieces 36
to simplify the manufacture. In such an embodiment, the upper load
limit in the transverse direction X, and the compressive-/tensile
force that the spacer profile can withstand in the transverse
direction X without deforming or breaking, can be increased.
Furthermore, it can be easily ensured that the diffusion barrier
layer 26 lies in the neutral line.
FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment that does not have all claimed
features, in which the reinforcing layers 22, 24 are fully
incorporated in the side walls 16, 18 and partially in the outer
wall 14.
FIG. 17 shows in a) to d) the fifteenth to nineteenth embodiment.
In these embodiments, the diffusion barrier layer 266 is not formed
of a metallic material, but rather only of a plastic material. The
plastic material is diffusion-proof. Such a diffusion-proof plastic
material is for example an ethylene-vinyl alcohol-copolymer, which
is also referred to as EVOH. Such an EVOH material preferably has a
third specific thermal conductivity .lamda..sub.33 between 0.25
W/(mK) and 0.40 W/(mK).
Because of this low third specific heat conductivity
.lamda..sub.33, the diffusion barrier layer 266 made of EVOH
material can have greater third thickness d33 in comparison to the
metallic material of preceding embodiments and at the same time
making possible a high or higher thermal insulation. Here too,
however, in order to achieve an improvement of the thermal
insulation relative to a continuous reinforcing layer, the product
of the third specific thermal conductivity .lamda..sub.33 and the
third thickness d33 must be smaller than the product of the first
specific thermal conductivity .lamda..sub.1 and the first thickness
d1 and smaller than the product of the second specific thermal
conductivity .lamda..sub.2 and the second thickness d2.
The EVOH material distributed by NIPPON GOHSEI, under the product
name "SoarnoL.RTM.", is preferably used. This product is offered
with various ethylene contents. For example, "SoarnoL.RTM. V" (25
mol % ethylene) "SoarnoL.RTM. DC" (32 mol % ethylene) "SoarnoL.RTM.
ET" (38 mol % ethylene), "SoarnoL.RTM. AT" (44 mol % ethylene) or
"SoarnoL.RTM. H" (48 mol % ethylene) may be used. More preferably,
the material sold under the product name "SoarnoL.RTM. 29 mol %" or
"SoarnoL.RTM. DT" or "SoarnoL.RTM. D" with 29 mol % ethylene is
used.
Such a "SoarnoL.RTM. 29 mol %" or "SoarnoL.RTM. DT" or
"SoarnoL.RTM. D" has a specific third thermal conductivity
.lamda..sub.33=0.33 W/(mK) at 60.degree. C. and =0.28 W/(mK) at
120.degree. C. In the fifteenth to nineteenth embodiment, the third
thickness d33 of the diffusion barrier layer 266 made of EVOH
material is substantially greater than the third thickness d3 of
the diffusion barrier layer 26 made of metallic material in the
first to fourteenth embodiments. Because of the greater thickness
d33, the diffusion barrier layer 266 is much more resistant
(stretch-resistant, tear-resistant) than the very thin metal
layer/foil used in the above embodiments. Thus, in the fifteenth to
nineteenth embodiment it is not absolutely necessary to form the
spacer profile 1 such that during the bending of the spacer profile
1 the diffusion barrier layer 266 lies on the neutral line of the
spacer profile 1. For this reason, the arches 21, 121 and notches
32 are optional features.
If the diffusion barrier layer 266 is formed with a very small
third thickness d33 of 0.01 mm to 0.1 mm in accordance with the
first to fourteenth embodiments, it is preferable that the spacer
profile 1 according to the first to fourteenth embodiments is also
formed such that, during the bending of the spacer profile 1, the
diffusion barrier layer 266 made of EVOH material lies in the
neutral line.
As above, the diffusion barrier layers 266 in the fifteenth to
nineteenth embodiment extend in the longitudinal direction Z with a
constant cross-sectional shape in an X-Y section perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction Z along the entire length of the spacer
profile and are arranged symmetrically to the symmetry plane L.
In the fifteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 17a), the diffusion
barrier layer 266 extends in the transverse direction X with a
third width b3 over the first distance a1 between the first
reinforcing layer 22 and the second reinforcing layer 24. The
diffusion barrier layer 266 has a third thickness d33 in this
embodiment. In these embodiments, the third thickness d33
preferably corresponds to the first thickness d1 of the first
reinforcing layer 22 or to the second thickness d2 of the second
reinforcing layers 22, 24, which here are equal (d1=d2).
The diffusion barrier layer 266 is directly bonded in a
diffusion-proof manner to the outer wall 14, for example by
co-extrusion, lamination or by using an adhesion agent. Preferably,
the diffusion barrier layer 266 and the outer wall 14 are bonded in
a molecular bonded manner. According to the first to fourteenth
embodiment, the diffusion barrier layer 266 is also
diffusion-proof, preferably in a molecular bonded manner, bonded at
its edges in the transverse direction X in each case with the first
and second reinforcing layer 22, 24, for example by using an
adhesive agent or by welding. Also in this embodiment a continuous
diffusion barrier 27 is formed by the reinforcing layers 22, 24 and
the diffusion barrier layer 266. A substantially continuous plane
is created by the diffusion barrier layer 266 and the reinforcing
layers 22, 24.
In the sixteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 17b), the diffusion
barrier layer 266 is formed and/or applied on the outer wall 14 in
a "pedestal-like" or in an inverse "T-shape" manner in an
intermediate space between the reinforcing layers 22, 24. The
intermediate space extends between the reinforcing layers 22, 24
and is delimited on the outer wall in the transverse direction X on
both sides by the edges of the reinforcing layers 22, 24 that face
each other in the transverse direction X. In the height direction Y
the intermediate space is delimited on one side by the outer side
of the outer wall 14 that faces away from the inner wall 12.
The diffusion barrier layer 266 has a first area 70 and a second
area 71. The first area 70 corresponds to the diffusion barrier
layer 266 of the sixteenth embodiment. As above, the width of the
first area 70 corresponds to the first distance a1 between the
reinforcing layers 22, 24. A fourth thickness d4 of the first area
70 in the height direction Y preferably corresponds to thickness
d1, d2 of the reinforcing layers 22, 24
In the height direction Y on the side facing away from the outer
wall 14, the second area 71 is formed adjoining to the first area
and extends over a third width b3, which is greater than the first
distance a1 between the reinforcing layers 22, 24. The second
section 71 is formed so as to overlap with the reinforcing layers
22, 24 over a width (b3-a1)/2 on each side. The second area 71 has
a fifth thickness d5. The first area 70 and the second area 71 are
integrally formed.
In the area between the reinforcing layers 22, 24, the diffusion
barrier layer 266 has a total thickness d33=d4+d5, which is greater
than the thickness d1 and/or d2 of the reinforcing layers. The
diffusion barrier layer 266 can be coextruded together with the
hollow profile body 10 and the reinforcing layers 22, 24.
Alternatively, they can be bonded, preferably in a diffusion-proof
manner, even after application of the reinforcing layers 22, 24 for
example by using an adhesive agent or by laminating with the
reinforcing layers 22, 24 and/or with the outer wall 14.
The total height h4 of the spacer profile is in this case (without
regard to the optional arch 21) the sum of the first h1 of the
hollow profile body 10 and the third thickness d33 of the diffusion
barrier layer 266.
FIG. 17c) shows a seventeenth embodiment, which has a diffusion
barrier layer 266 with a first area 70 like the sixteenth
embodiment; the first area 70 is formed between the reinforcing
layers 22, 24. In this embodiment, a second area 71 is not formed
on the side facing away from the outer wall 14 of the reinforcing
layers 22, 24, but rather is formed opposite, on the side facing
the outer wall 14 of the first area 70. The diffusion barrier layer
266 therefore extends between the reinforcing layers 22, 24 and
partly on the side of the reinforcing layers 22, 24 facing towards
the inner wall 14, between the reinforcing layers 22, 24 and the
outer wall 14. The widths in the transverse direction X and the
thicknesses in the height direction Y of the first area 70 and of
the second area 71 preferably correspond to those of the sixteenth
embodiment. Thus the areas 72 overlapping with the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 also have the dimensions of the sixteenth
embodiment.
Since the fourth thickness d4 of the diffusion barrier layer 266
corresponds to the thickness d1, d2 of the reinforcing layers 22,
24, a substantially unbroken/continuous layer is formed by the
diffusion barrier layer 266 and the reinforcing layer (disregarding
the arch 21). The outer wall 14 has a reduced wall thickness
(s1-d5) in the area, where the diffusion barrier layer 266 is
formed. The second area 71 of the diffusion barrier layer 266 is
preferably completely enclosed by the outer wall.
In the eighteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 17d), the diffusion
barrier layer 266 substantially matches the second area 71 of the
seventeenth embodiment. The diffusion barrier layer 266 has a third
thickness d33 in the height direction Y and a third width b3 in the
transverse direction X. The third width b3 is greater than the
first distance a1. The diffusion barrier layer 266 has a
rectangular cross-section as viewed in the X-Y plane, and is
surrounded entirely by the outer wall 14. The outer wall 14 has,
therefore, a smaller wall thickness (s1-d33) in the area between
the reinforcing layers 22, 24.
The diffusion barrier layer 266 is symmetrically arranged around
the symmetry axis L such that it is arranged between the
reinforcing layers 22, 24 and the outer wall 14 over a width
(b3-a1)/2 on each side, i.e. it overlaps with the reinforcing
layers in the transverse direction X. The diffusion barrier layer
266 is not formed in the plane defined by the edges of the
reinforcing layers 22, 24 in the transverse direction X
(disregarding the arch 21), but rather abutting on this plane in
the height direction Y towards the inner wall 12.
In the nineteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 17e), the diffusion
barrier layer 266 is formed with a rectangular cross section, as
viewed in the X-Y plane. The diffusion barrier layer has a third
thickness d33 in the height direction Y and a third width b3 in the
transverse direction X. The third width b3 is greater than the
first distance a1.
In this embodiment, the wall thickness s1 of the outer wall 14 in
the central section 25 between the reinforcing layers 22, 24 is
greater on the side facing away from the inner wall 12 by the
thickness d1 or d2. The outer wall 14 forms a continuous plane 63
with the reinforcing layer 22, 24 and incorporates the edges of the
reinforcing layers 22, 24 in the transverse direction X.
The diffusion barrier layer 266 is applied and/or formed on this
continuous plane 63 symmetrical to the symmetry plane L. The
diffusion barrier layer 266 abuts both the reinforcing layers 22,
24 and the outer wall 14 in the area between the reinforcing layers
22, 24.
The diffusion barrier layers 266 shown in FIGS. 17c), 17d) and 17e)
may be coextruded either with the hollow profile body 10, or
together with the hollow profile body 10 and the reinforcing layers
22, 24. Alternatively, they could be attached before the attachment
of the reinforcing layers 22, 24 to the outer wall 14 using an
adhesion agent, by laminating, by welding, etc. (see also the first
to fourteenth embodiment). Alternatively, they could also be
attached after affixing the reinforcing layers 22, 24 for example
by insertion and adhering. Preferably, at least the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 and the diffusion barrier layer 266 are bonded to one
another in a molecular bonded and diffusion-proof manner by
co-extrusion, by applying adhesion agents (see above), to form a
continuous diffusion barrier layer 27.
FIG. 18 shows a twentieth embodiment of this invention. In this
embodiment, the entire hollow profile body 10 is formed from the
diffusion-proof EVOH material. The diffusion barrier 27, which was
always formed in the above embodiments by the reinforcing layers
22, 24 and the diffusion barrier layer 26, 266, is realized in this
embodiment by the side walls 16, 18 and the outer wall 14. The
diffusion barrier layer is integrally formed with the outer wall 14
in this embodiment.
Alternatively, only the side walls 16, 18 and the outer wall 14, or
only the outer wall 14, also may be formed from the EVOH material.
The wall thickness of each of the walls made of the EVOH material
can be up to 2 mm, but it preferably should correspond to that of
the first to fourteenth embodiments.
The diffusion impermeability of EVOH material can be adversely
affected by contact with water and/or water vapor, especially in
case of a thin EVOH material. EVOH material may tend to absorb
water and/or water vapor. The diffusion impermeability can also be
reduced by the absorption.
To avoid this negative effect, it has proved to be advantageous to
form the diffusion barrier layer of at least two sheets or two
layers. A two-layer diffusion barrier has a first layer made of
EVOH material (first layer 74). The first layer made of EVOH
material is applied to and/or formed on a support layer (second
layer 75), which has a very low water permeability or is
diffusion-proof with respect to water/water vapor. It can be
particularly advantageous when the first layer made of EVOH
material is protected from contact with water by the second layer.
Particularly preferred is an arrangement, in which the first layer
made of the EVOH material is protected from contact with
water/water vapor by both the second layer and the outer wall 14 of
hollow profile body. In this particularly advantageous embodiment,
the first layer is therefore arranged between the outer wall 14 and
the second layer.
In particular, a polyolefin, preferably PE and even more preferably
PP, can be used as the material for the support layer.
FIG. 19 shows a section of a spacer profile of such a particularly
advantageous twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. The
section shows only the outer wall 14 of the spacer profile 1 in the
area, where the diffusion barrier layer is arranged between the
reinforcing layers 22, 24. This embodiment differs from the other
embodiments only in that the diffusion barrier layer 266 is formed
of a first layer 74, which is formed of a diffusion-proof EVOH
material (as above, for example, "SoarnoL"), and a second layer 75,
which is formed of polyolefin, for example, PE or PP. Furthermore,
only those features that differ from the other embodiments are
described.
The diffusion barrier layer 266 made of the first and second layer
74, 75 has basically the shape of the diffusion barrier layer 266
according to the sixteenth embodiment, which is depicted in FIG.
17b). In the present embodiment, the first layer 74 is formed
between the reinforcing layers 22, 24 in accordance to the first
area 70 of the sixteenth embodiment. The second layer 75 is formed
and/or applied on the first layer 74 in accordance with the second
area 71 of the sixteenth embodiment and its edges extend in the
transverse direction X partially onto the sides of the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 that face away from the outer wall 14. The first
layer has a thickness d331 and the second layer has a thickness
d332 in the height direction Y. The total thickness d333 preferably
corresponds to the thickness d33 but can be greater or smaller.
The first layer 74 and the second layer 75 are preferably bonded to
one another by using an adhesion agent 76 applied between the two
layers and/or are preferably formed with one another by
co-extrusion. A diffusion barrier is produced by the reinforcing
layers 22, 24 and the two-layer diffusion barrier layer 266, which
is bonded therewith in a diffusion-proof manner.
The diffusion barrier layer 266 may also have other shapes
according to the twenty-first embodiment. For example, it may be
formed according to the fifteenth to nineteenth embodiment. This
means that the diffusion barrier layers 266 illustrated in the
fifteenth to nineteenth embodiment each may also be made of a first
EVOH layer and a second PP or PE layer. In each case it is
preferable that the first layer 74 made of EVOH material is
arranged between the second layer 75 made of polyolefin and the
outer wall 14 such that it is protected from contact with
water/water vapor. The first layer 74 and the second layer 75 may
be also formed interchanged. This means that the first layer 74 may
be formed on the side of the second layer 75 that faces away from
the outer wall 14 and the second layer 75 may be applied directly
onto the outer wall 14. However, in this case the first layer 74
made of the EVOH material is not protected from water or water
vapor.
Furthermore, for example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17d), a
PP/PE layer can be applied to the diffusion barrier layer 266 made
of EVOH material between the reinforcing layers 22, 24 in order to
protect the diffusion barrier layer 266 made of EVOH material from
contact with water/water vapor.
In addition, the twentieth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 may be
modified by applying a layer made of polyolefin (for example PP or
PE) onto the outer wall 14 between the reinforcement layers 22, 24.
The walls made of EVOH material would be thereby protected from
contact with water/water vapor, so that an optimal diffusion
impermeability would be ensured.
Furthermore, more than two layers made of EVOH/PP/PE also may be
provided.
The features of the various embodiments may be combined with each
other. Further, the reinforcing layers in one of the first to
twentieth embodiment also may be formed asymmetrically to one
another with respect to the symmetry plane L. The first reinforcing
layer may differ in thickness/width with respect to the second
reinforcing layer, and/or may be formed from a different material.
The first or the second reinforcing layer may have an extension
segment, while the other may have no extension segment. The
reinforcing layers may also extend only to the side walls and the
diffusion barrier layer may extend over the entire outer wall to
connect the two reinforcing layers. The reinforcing layers also may
optionally partially extend into the side walls and/or into the
outer wall, but are always connected with the diffusion barrier
layer on the outer wall.
The first or second reinforcing layer may extend over a larger
portion on the outer wall than the other reinforcing layer. This
means that the distance of the central section to the first side
wall may be greater than the distance to the second side wall, and
vice versa.
The central section is therefore not required to be centrally
arranged between the side walls. Due to the non-central arrangement
of the central section, the heat conduction through the spacer
profile can be reduced. In particular, the heat conduction will be
reduced if the central section is arranged closer to the "warm",
i.e. inner, pane.
The diffusion barrier layer may be formed to overlap with the first
and/or second reinforcing layer. This means, for example, that the
diffusion barrier layer 26 shown in the first to thirteenth
embodiments, which is applied directly onto the outer wall 14 in
the central section 25 after the extrusion, may be applied
partially onto the first and/or second reinforcing layer 22, 24.
The diffusion barrier layer may therefore extend as one piece at
least partially over the first reinforcing layer and the second
reinforcing layer and between both on the outer wall. However,
according to this construction, the diffusion barrier layer extends
only to the area directly on the outer wall that is not covered by
the first or second reinforcing layer. Due to an overlap, a
particularly diffusion-proof design of the connection between
reinforcing layers 22, 24 and diffusion barrier layer 26 is
formed.
In the alternative to a notch, the side walls or portions thereof
may also have areas that are formed so that a notch is omitted. For
example, this can be achieved by forming side walls or portions
thereof thinner-walled than others. The extension segments
optionally may be omitted as well (see FIG. 11).
As an alternative to co-extrusion of reinforcing layers with the
hollow profile body, the reinforcing layers can be applied directly
on the hollow profile body after the extrusion of the hollow
profile body, for example by adhesion or bonding agents. Further,
the area provided for the reinforcing layer and/or diffusion
barrier layer may be formed on the hollow profile body such that
there are no shoulders at the edges and transitions between them
after the application of the reinforcing layers and/or the
diffusion barrier layer. This means that the areas, on which for
example the reinforcing layers are applied, are formed as recesses
in the hollow profile body already during the extrusion of the
hollow profile body. Accordingly, the reinforcing layers and/or
diffusion barrier layer are inset into these recesses.
The hollow profile body can also be formed trapezoidal, square,
diamond shaped or otherwise of this nature. The concave bulges can
assume other shapes, for example, they may be bulged out twice, be
bulged asymmetrically, etc. In particular, the spacer profile may
be also configured such that the side walls do not represent the
outermost walls in the transverse direction X for attachment to the
panes. Such a design could for example be designed as follows: the
spacer profile has a wider inner wall compared to the outer wall.
The side walls are not connected to the edges of the inner wall in
the transverse direction X, but rather are offset slightly inward
in the transverse direction X. The outer wall connected to the side
walls, the side walls and the inner wall form the chamber. In
addition, two other additional (sides) outer walls, which extend
parallel to the side walls, are formed at the edges of the inner
wall in the transverse direction X, which outer walls serve as
attachment surfaces for the panes. The reinforcing layers are
formed in such an embodiment wholly or partially in or on the
additional outer walls and the side walls and the inner wall. The
diffusion barrier layer bonds the reinforcing layers to one another
in a diffusion-proof manner.
The wall thicknesses s1, s2 of the side walls 22, 24 and/or the
outer wall 26 may be also differently designed from one another.
The openings 34 may be also formed asymmetrically to the symmetry
line L, as shown in FIG. 15, only centrally or only on one side
with respect to the transverse direction X. The openings can be
arranged at regular or irregular intervals in the longitudinal
direction Z. The openings can be formed in one or more rows with
respect to the transverse direction X.
A further reinforcing layer made of metallic material may be
provided at least in part in or on the inner wall. The extension
segments 28 can be bent into any shape, angled, etc., or be
designed to be asymmetric relative to one another. The chamber also
can be divided into several chambers by partition walls. The
cross-section of the reinforcing layers need not necessarily be
constant, but rather may also have a profile shape, so that it can
be better connected with the hollow profile body. In particular,
for example, knobs or grooves may be provided. The notches 32 and
arches 21, 121 shown in the first to fourth embodiments are
optional features which may be omitted depending on the design of
the hollow profile body.
The first height h1 of the hollow profile body 10 in the height
direction Y is preferably between 10 mm and 5 mm, more preferably
between 8 mm and 6 mm, such as 6.85 mm, 7.5 mm and 8 mm.
The second height h2 of the arch 21 in the height direction Y is
preferably between 1 mm and 0.05 mm, more preferably between 1 mm
and 0.1 mm, such as 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm and 1 mm.
The third height h3 of the arch 121 in the height direction Y is
preferably between 1.5 mm and 0.09 mm, more preferably between 0.5
mm and 0.05 mm, even more preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.07 mm,
such as 0.1 mm, 0.12 mm and 0.15 mm.
The first width b1 of the hollow profile body 10 in the transverse
direction X is preferably between 40 and 6 mm, more preferably
between 20 mm and 6 mm, and even more preferably between 16 mm and
8 mm, such as 8 mm, 12 mm and 15.45 mm.
The first distance a1, corresponding to the second width b2, in the
transverse direction X is preferably between 15 mm and 2 mm, more
preferably between 8 mm and 5 mm, such as 5 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm.
The third width b3 of the diffusion barrier layer 266 is preferably
between 35 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 2 mm,
even more preferably between 12 and 5, such as 6 mm, 7 mm and 9
mm.
The first thickness d1 of the first reinforcing layer 22 made of
metallic material is preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.01 mm, more
preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.01 mm, such as 0.1 mm, 0.05 mm and
0.01 mm.
The second thickness d2 of the second reinforcing layer 24
preferably corresponds to the first thickness d1.
The third thickness d3 of the diffusion barrier layer 26 made of
metallic material is preferably between 0.09 mm and 1 nm, more
preferably between 0.02 mm and 5 nm, and even more preferably
between 0.01 mm and 10 nm, such as 0.01 mm, 0.001 mm and 10 nm.
The third thickness d33 of the diffusion barrier layer 266 made of
EVOH material is preferably between 0.01 mm and 2 mm, more
preferably between 0.05 mm and 0.8 mm, and even more preferably
between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, such as 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.
The thickness d331 of the second layer 75 made of PP or PE is
preferably between 1.2 mm and 0.1 mm, more preferably between 1.00
mm and 0.5 mm, such as 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm.
The thickness d332 of the first layer 74 made of EVOH material is
preferably between 0.01 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 0.05
mm and 0.8 mm, and even more preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm,
such as 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm.
The first length l1 of the extension segments in the transverse
direction X is preferably 0.05 b1<l1<0.8 b1, more preferably
0.1 b1<l1<0.5 b1 and even more preferably 0.1 b1<l1<0.2
b1 mm.
The first wall thickness s1 of the side walls 16, 18 and the outer
wall 14 is preferably between 1.2 mm and 0.2 mm, more preferably
between 1.00 mm and 0.5 mm, such as 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm.
The second wall thickness s2 of the inner wall 12 is preferably
between 1.5 mm and 0.5 mm, such as 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm and 1
mm.
The first length l1 in the transverse direction X is less than
b1/2.
It is explicitly stated that all features disclosed in the
description and/or the claims should be considered separately and
independently from one another for the purpose of original
disclosure as well as for restricting the claimed invention
independently from the combinations of features in the embodiments
and/or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all value ranges or
indications of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate
value of the sub-group of units for the purpose of original
disclosure as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed
invention, especially as the limit of a range specification.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
1 spacer profile 10 hollow profile body 12 inner wall 14 outer wall
16 first side wall 18 second side wall 20 chamber 21, 121 arch 22
first reinforcing layer 24 second reinforcing layer 25 central
section 26, 266 diffusion barrier layer 27 diffusion barrier 28
extension segment 29 bend in the extension segment 30 groove in the
extension segment 31 accommodation portion 32 notch 34 opening 35
opening 36 transverse crosspiece 40 connecting portion 70 first
area 71 second area 72 overlapping area 73 continuous plane 74
first layer 75 second layer 76 adhesion agent
* * * * *